title: Disorders of the masticatory muscles.
abstract: Muscle disorders involving the masticatory muscles have been considered analogous to skeletal muscle disorders throughout the body. However, emerging research has shed new light on the varied etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of myofascial pain and masticatory muscle disorders. This article reviews the etiology and classification of regional masticatory muscle disorders, the clinical examination of the patient, and evidence-based treatment recommendations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral health and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Georgia Regents University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA. sderossi@gru.edu
authors.forename: Scott S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: De Rossi
authors.forename: Ilanit
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Stern
authors.forename: Thomas P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Sollecito
mesh_terms: D002012:Bruxism / Q000150:complications; D017271:Craniomandibular Disorders / Q000150:complications; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008410:Masticatory Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D009209:Myofascial Pain Syndromes / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000150:complications